Treat yourself to some creative time!
Visit PolymerClayTutorials.etsy.com for the best savings of the year on Eugena's original tutorials.
You can save up to 50% on some of them!
Wishing you happy claying and a wonderful holiday season!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Site-Wide Sale!
Treat yourself to some creative time!
Visit PolymerClayTutorials.etsy.com for the best savings of the year on Eugena's original tutorials.
You can save up to 50% on some of them!
Wishing you happy claying and a wonderful holiday season!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Work in Progress
I am showing only one here, but I am planning to have at least three variations of each the petals and the flower centers for my next tutorial.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest 2015 Registration
Registration for Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest 2015 is now officially open! For all details and registration, please visit http://polymerclayfests.wordpress.com/
Hurry up! The first 50 registrants will receive a special registration bonus.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Little Windows Brilliant Resin Review
Finally I had the time to try out a free sample of Little Windows
Brilliant Resin generously offered to me by Fran Valera from
little-windows.com.
Brilliant Resin is a proprietary epoxy resin formula by Little Windows. Looking through their web site, I realized that this resin
is a well-developed product, with a carefully thought-through line of
supporting accessories. On Little Windows web site (which is nicely
organized and easy to navigate), you may purchase not only the resin
kits in a few different sizes, but pretty much everything else you
may need for working with it: mixing cups and wands, a doming mat,
molds, bezels, paper punches, color films, and more. This is very
convenient.
The cleverest thing in my opinion is that Little Windows allows you to purchase Part B (Hardener) refill separately (not as a part of a kit). Let me explain why I like it so much. Usually the two parts of an epoxy resin kit have different shelf lives, and part B often turns yellowish while part A is still perfectly fine. What Little Windows is doing about it is really smart. In addition to offering a refill for Part B, they also provide clear instructions for storing the two parts of the kit to keep each of them fresh as long as possible.
Speaking of instructions, I want to mention that Little Windows instruction sheet is very clear and informative. It is written for small batches needed for making jewelry with this resin and is easy to follow. I especially like that they included the information about the number of different jewelry pieces that can be made with a typical batch of mixed resin. It helps a lot with planning your work and minimizing the waste of this product.
Since I am working primarily with another two-part epoxy resin, EnviroTex Lite, I decided to compare the two of them side-by-side.
Accessibility: I really like that EnviroTex Lite resin is available in Michael's craft stores. Since there are plenty of them in my area, I can always easily pick up the next batch of resin whenever I need it. Little Windows Brilliant resin is available on-line only, however the shipping is super-fast. Fran and I exchanged emails on Friday afternoon, and on Monday I already had the resin in my mailbox (and she shipped it across the country, from California to Maryland!).
Use: Both resins can be used for casting, doming, layering, and
filling batches. I mostly use the doming effect in my Faux Cloisonne
and other techniques for polymer clay and resin jewelry.
Smell: Before mixing, the smell of parts A and B of Little Windows resin was a bit stronger than that of EnviroTex Lite. However, after mixing the smell of Little Windows disappeared almost completely, while EnviroTex Lite maintained its odor until it cured. Little Windows resin is a definite winner in this category.
Measuring: Little Windows resin was easier to measure because it is less viscous than EnviroTex Lite (this is especially true for parts B of both resins).
Room for errors: I prepared two batches of Little Windows resin: one with both parts measured exactly as specified in the instructions, and the second one with deliberate overage of part A. I added extra 4 ml of part A when making a 15-mL batch of resin (this is a big difference; one would have to be extra sloppy to mix a batch like that by mistake). The quality of the cured resin (it's clarity and strength) is affected by excess of part A more than by that of part B. EnviroTex Lite resin would not forgive such inaccuracy, but Little Windows resin cured just fine. For people who just starting to work with two-part resins this quality of Little Windows resin would be especially useful.
Formation of bubbles: The amount of bubbles was about the same in both resins during mixing, however the ones in Little Windows resin cleared up quickly, and they completely disappeared by the time the resin was poured over my pendant. For EnviroTex Lite, I have to remove the bubbles by exhaling on them. This extra step does not bother me too much, but for a person just beginning to work with a resin, this step could be tricky. Little Windows wins in this category as well (big time!).
Working time: After mixing, both resins allow more than 30 minutes for working with them before they become to thick to handle. The actual time depends on the studio temperature. In my case, I could still pour any of the two resins at least 1.5 hour after mixing. This time is more than enough to complete a few jewelry projects.
Curing time: Little Windows web site claims that their resin settles in 12 hours. To be exact, this time also depends on the temperature, but I am sure it is actually pretty close to 12 hours. Unfortunately, I could not check my pendants exactly at that time, but at 14 hours mark Little Windows resin was completely dry. EnviroTex Lite usually takes about 24 hours to dry to this stage. There is a way to speed up curing of EnviroTex Lite resin (as explained in my tutorial How to work with EnviroTex Lite resin), but it is an extra hassle. So, Little Windows resin beats up EnviroTex Lite in this category as well.
Doming effect: While both resins create doming effect, it looks like in a single application EnviroTex Lite makes a thicker layer than Little Windows.
Clarity: Both resins give transparent crystal clear glass-like finish.
UV Resistance: It would be really interesting to compare two
light-colored pieces created with EnviroTex Lite and Little Windows resins after a long-time
exposure to UV light. Unfortunately, this is beyond the scope of my
current test. I've heard that jewelry pieces covered with EnviroTex
Lite may become a little yellowish after a few years. To be
cautious, let's assume that this is in fact the quality of EnviroTex Lite resin,
and there was nothing wrong with its preparation. I cannot use my
own pieces to verify this issue, because I am working mostly with
black polymer clay and dark colors. On my pieces I do not detect
any change of color over time. On the other hand, Little Windows resin is being
advertised as a material that does not change its color over time. I
have no reasons to doubt this claim.
And finally, the Price: Unfortunately, Little Windows resin is much more expensive than EnviroTex Lite. I can get a 32-oz kit of EnviroTex Lite with Michael's weekly 40% coupon for $21 (with MD taxes it is about $22.50 total). That is about $0.70 per oz. The best price for Little Windows is $100 for 48 oz (and that is without S&H), which means Little Windows resin would cost me more than $2 per oz. That is a huge difference.
So, here is my verdict. Since EnviroTex Lite is so much more cost effective than Little Windows resin and it does the job I need it to do for my projects, I will continue using EnviroTex Lite. However I am going to recommend Little Windows resin to all my students and to any people who is just starting to learn working with resin. It is an excellent product for novice crafters.
ATTENTION: To receive a 15% OFF discount for any of the Little Windows products, type the following code when you check out: polymertutorials (all lower case).
The cleverest thing in my opinion is that Little Windows allows you to purchase Part B (Hardener) refill separately (not as a part of a kit). Let me explain why I like it so much. Usually the two parts of an epoxy resin kit have different shelf lives, and part B often turns yellowish while part A is still perfectly fine. What Little Windows is doing about it is really smart. In addition to offering a refill for Part B, they also provide clear instructions for storing the two parts of the kit to keep each of them fresh as long as possible.
Speaking of instructions, I want to mention that Little Windows instruction sheet is very clear and informative. It is written for small batches needed for making jewelry with this resin and is easy to follow. I especially like that they included the information about the number of different jewelry pieces that can be made with a typical batch of mixed resin. It helps a lot with planning your work and minimizing the waste of this product.
Since I am working primarily with another two-part epoxy resin, EnviroTex Lite, I decided to compare the two of them side-by-side.
Accessibility: I really like that EnviroTex Lite resin is available in Michael's craft stores. Since there are plenty of them in my area, I can always easily pick up the next batch of resin whenever I need it. Little Windows Brilliant resin is available on-line only, however the shipping is super-fast. Fran and I exchanged emails on Friday afternoon, and on Monday I already had the resin in my mailbox (and she shipped it across the country, from California to Maryland!).
 |
| Polymer clay pendant covered with Little Windows Brilliant Resin |
Smell: Before mixing, the smell of parts A and B of Little Windows resin was a bit stronger than that of EnviroTex Lite. However, after mixing the smell of Little Windows disappeared almost completely, while EnviroTex Lite maintained its odor until it cured. Little Windows resin is a definite winner in this category.
Measuring: Little Windows resin was easier to measure because it is less viscous than EnviroTex Lite (this is especially true for parts B of both resins).
Room for errors: I prepared two batches of Little Windows resin: one with both parts measured exactly as specified in the instructions, and the second one with deliberate overage of part A. I added extra 4 ml of part A when making a 15-mL batch of resin (this is a big difference; one would have to be extra sloppy to mix a batch like that by mistake). The quality of the cured resin (it's clarity and strength) is affected by excess of part A more than by that of part B. EnviroTex Lite resin would not forgive such inaccuracy, but Little Windows resin cured just fine. For people who just starting to work with two-part resins this quality of Little Windows resin would be especially useful.
Formation of bubbles: The amount of bubbles was about the same in both resins during mixing, however the ones in Little Windows resin cleared up quickly, and they completely disappeared by the time the resin was poured over my pendant. For EnviroTex Lite, I have to remove the bubbles by exhaling on them. This extra step does not bother me too much, but for a person just beginning to work with a resin, this step could be tricky. Little Windows wins in this category as well (big time!).
Working time: After mixing, both resins allow more than 30 minutes for working with them before they become to thick to handle. The actual time depends on the studio temperature. In my case, I could still pour any of the two resins at least 1.5 hour after mixing. This time is more than enough to complete a few jewelry projects.
Curing time: Little Windows web site claims that their resin settles in 12 hours. To be exact, this time also depends on the temperature, but I am sure it is actually pretty close to 12 hours. Unfortunately, I could not check my pendants exactly at that time, but at 14 hours mark Little Windows resin was completely dry. EnviroTex Lite usually takes about 24 hours to dry to this stage. There is a way to speed up curing of EnviroTex Lite resin (as explained in my tutorial How to work with EnviroTex Lite resin), but it is an extra hassle. So, Little Windows resin beats up EnviroTex Lite in this category as well.
Doming effect: While both resins create doming effect, it looks like in a single application EnviroTex Lite makes a thicker layer than Little Windows.
Clarity: Both resins give transparent crystal clear glass-like finish.
 |
| Two polymer clay brooches made with Little Windows Brilliant Resin |
And finally, the Price: Unfortunately, Little Windows resin is much more expensive than EnviroTex Lite. I can get a 32-oz kit of EnviroTex Lite with Michael's weekly 40% coupon for $21 (with MD taxes it is about $22.50 total). That is about $0.70 per oz. The best price for Little Windows is $100 for 48 oz (and that is without S&H), which means Little Windows resin would cost me more than $2 per oz. That is a huge difference.
So, here is my verdict. Since EnviroTex Lite is so much more cost effective than Little Windows resin and it does the job I need it to do for my projects, I will continue using EnviroTex Lite. However I am going to recommend Little Windows resin to all my students and to any people who is just starting to learn working with resin. It is an excellent product for novice crafters.
ATTENTION: To receive a 15% OFF discount for any of the Little Windows products, type the following code when you check out: polymertutorials (all lower case).
Friday, October 3, 2014
New Technique: Openwork Pendants
Some of these pendants do not even have any backing, and their walls are as thin as paper! Amazingly, they are strong enough to withstand normal wear as a piece of jewelry.
If you would like to learn how to make pendants, beads, and earrings based on these designs, explore my new tutorial.
I decided to offer this tutorial for a 20% off introductory price for three days only. The sale price expires on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 9 pm CST.
This new tutorial is available in my Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/PolymerClayTutorials).
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
WIP Openwork Pendants
Here are a few first pictures, and more are coming soon.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Alien Attack!
 |
| Picture from http://www.arkinspace.com |
OK, so may be they are not aliens, but just fellow Earth inhabitants. Apparently, they are called Saddleback Moth Caterpillars.
And may be they were just peacefully munching on the leaves of my lilies, minding their own business. However, after our brief encounter I felt sharp burning pain in my shoulder, which did not go away for hours, despite all my efforts. A full week later I still have itching red marks on my shoulder...
 |
| Picture from http://bugguide.net |
Even through the burning pain, I was fascinated by these things. They are frieky, but amazing at the same time, don't you think?
Being an artist, I perhaps should get inspired by this episode and make a new line of inspirational jewelry with an encouragement slogan. “Stand for Yourself!”, for example (and these creatures can definitely stand for themselves, I am telling you)...
Nah, I guess I would stay focused on the projects I am working on right now. They are too exciting to put aside!
Anybody wants this idea? Feel free to use it. Unfortunately, I cannot arrange the whole authentic experience for you, since my husband promptly destroyed my aliens in a swift retaliation attack. You would have to get your own somewhere in the South (apparently, they are more common there)...
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Polymer Clay Tutorial Hollow Crescent Beads
These beads should probably be called "lost and found'.
A while ago I was playing with different textures and inadvertently made a crescent bead. I thought: "Oh, cool bead! I shall figure out what do with it and then write a tutorial." Then I completely forgot about it, and only recently came across it in my studio. This time suddenly everything clicked in place and I immediately envisioned a project with this type of beads and metal filigree.
So, here is my new tutorial, and it is available in my etsy shop.
Let me know what you think!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Cabin Fever 2015
CABIN FEVER CREATIVE ARTS FEST
When: February 12 – 18, 2015.
Where: at the Holiday Inn West, Laurel, Maryland.
Instructors: Maureen Carlson, Jana Roberts Benzon, Robert Dancik, Dayle Doroshow, Christi Friesen, Lindly Haunani, Anke Humpert, Doreen Kassel, Randee Ketzel, Melanie Muir, Kathryn Jo Ottman, Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Marie Segal, Eugena Topina, and Teri Walters.
There will be full-day pre-conference workshops and 4-hour conference workshops.
For more information, please check Creative Art's Fest Blog.
When: February 12 – 18, 2015.
Where: at the Holiday Inn West, Laurel, Maryland.
Instructors: Maureen Carlson, Jana Roberts Benzon, Robert Dancik, Dayle Doroshow, Christi Friesen, Lindly Haunani, Anke Humpert, Doreen Kassel, Randee Ketzel, Melanie Muir, Kathryn Jo Ottman, Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Marie Segal, Eugena Topina, and Teri Walters.
There will be full-day pre-conference workshops and 4-hour conference workshops.
For more information, please check Creative Art's Fest Blog.
Friday, August 22, 2014
New Tutorial Faux Cloisonne: Color
With this tutorial, I invite you to return to my signature Faux Cloisonne technique and explore various possibilities for creating beautiful reach colors.
This tutorial explains in a great detail how to add a metal leaf insert to your faux cloisonne project, how to color it with alcohol inks in a number of different ways, and how to expand your mica powders palette. You will find in this tutorial numerous tips which will save you a lot of time and money not only with this particular technique, but with your polymer clay work in general.
To demonstrate this technique, I chose a project shown above - a colorful brooch in an interesting shape. In this tutorial you will find step-by-step instructions for making this particular brooch (including a detailed demonstration of finishing its back and suggestions for choosing an optimal closure for your polymer clay brooches).
In addition to that, I included a page with a few other brooch designs, ready to be used in your projects.
This new Faux Cloisonne in Polymer Clay tutorial is available in my etsy shop.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Bursting with Color
If you asked me any time up until recently what was my favorite color, I would say black. I liked it in my clothes and I used it a lot in my polymer clay art. Actually, most of my designs were about the line, and color was something secondary, and often an afterthought.
Now, I do not know what happened, but suddenly not only do I embrace color, but I am literally craving color - both in my art and in my wardrobe...
Here are a few examples of my latest creations (and yes - a tutorial is following soon). These all brooches, and they all are done in my signature Faux Cloisonne technique.
Now, I do not know what happened, but suddenly not only do I embrace color, but I am literally craving color - both in my art and in my wardrobe...
Here are a few examples of my latest creations (and yes - a tutorial is following soon). These all brooches, and they all are done in my signature Faux Cloisonne technique.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Orlando Clay Fandango 2015
There are only 19 class slots left for the 2015 Orlando Clay Fandango.
If you want to participate in this event - do not procrastinate.
You need to get your $25 in to secure a spot before it is too late.
If you want to participate in this event - do not procrastinate.
You need to get your $25 in to secure a spot before it is too late.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Two New Polymer Clay Tutorials
It's been a while since my last update, so am very happy to finally introduce two new tutorials for polymer clay.
Both tutorials are available in my Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/PolymerClayTutorials).
One of these tutorials, "Polymer Clay Leaf Earrings", is intended for people new to polymer clay. It shows how to make a pair of polymer clay earrings with leaf design and hand-made sterling silver links. It does not require any special equipment or previous skills.
Both tutorials are available in my Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/PolymerClayTutorials).
One of these tutorials, "Polymer Clay Leaf Earrings", is intended for people new to polymer clay. It shows how to make a pair of polymer clay earrings with leaf design and hand-made sterling silver links. It does not require any special equipment or previous skills.
The second tutorial, "Fantastic Filigree", is suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. It shows how to create necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with shining filigree designs formed with metal leaf.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Polymer Clay Class at Orlando Clay Fandango 2015
I will be teaching my polymer clay Faux Cloisonne class at Orlando Clay Fandango in 2015.
The retreat will be on Lake Yale, from April 30 to May 4 (five days and four nights).
You can find more information about this event and access the registration form on Orlando Area Polymer Clay Guild blog.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Orchids in Washington, DC
There is an annual orchids exhibition in United States Botanic Garden (Washington, DC). This year, it is called Orchid Symphony, and it will be on display until the last Sunday in April.
They have absolutely gorgeous music fountains this year, set to a few beautiful pieces of classic music. There are also orchid arrangements in shape of musical instruments, but I found myself still drawn to the beauty of individual flowers.
I realized after this trip that I have not sculpted any orchids in a while. It is time to expand my collection of polymer clay orchid tutorials, don't you think?
They have absolutely gorgeous music fountains this year, set to a few beautiful pieces of classic music. There are also orchid arrangements in shape of musical instruments, but I found myself still drawn to the beauty of individual flowers.
I realized after this trip that I have not sculpted any orchids in a while. It is time to expand my collection of polymer clay orchid tutorials, don't you think?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Polymer Clay Tutorials and Example Pages
Updated all my polymer clay tutorial descriptions on polymerclaytutorialsetsy..com to include the free picture versions of some tutorials and the example pages for the rest of them.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
I am back
This weekend we came back from a camping trip to Florida. We were in Central Florida (Ocala National Forest) and in St-Augustine.
Although the weather in Florida this year is worse than usual, I totally enjoyed it. There were some rainy days, yes, but the whole trip was wonderful nonetheless.
Pictures are better than words, so I will just show a few pictures from our trip.
...And this what we came back to:
Although the weather in Florida this year is worse than usual, I totally enjoyed it. There were some rainy days, yes, but the whole trip was wonderful nonetheless.
Pictures are better than words, so I will just show a few pictures from our trip.
...And this what we came back to: